The five weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day can be expansive
times for many people. During the holidays, there are many opportunities
to have fun with family and friends, however, there are so many temptations
to overindulge, drink more and exercise less. Here are a few tips to keep
in mind to help you enjoy more and stress less.

If you are planning on attending an evening party, eat somewhat less for breakfast and lunch. However, do not skip meals or go to an event famished. Instead, eat small, low calorie meals during the day and eat a healthy snack such as fresh fruit, veggies, or high fiber whole grain rye crackers just before the party.

Research has shown that skipping meals can increase, not decrease a person's daily caloric intake. For example, skipping lunch, a person could easily double or triple his/her evening intake of calories. Not eating for many hours can cause a person to experience a dip in his or her blood sugar and feel out of control.

Don't wait until New Year's to take care of you. Keeping fit, especially during stressful times is one of the best gifts you can give yourself.

Listen to your body. Even a short 10-15 minute home exercise routine is absolutely worth doing. Create this routine and use it when possible, even in the office. You will feel the difference, and your body will let you know. Try a short yoga routine or even some calisthenics. Doing this will help you to see yourself as an active person and you will feel less stress.

Go out for a family walk, or hit a bucket of range balls at your local golf course, instead of just watching football or sports from the television. A 45-minute walk uses up about 250 calories and boosts your metabolism for a few hours. Start a great new holiday tradition.

Taste tempting treats. Practice the art of being satisfied with small portions - the holidays certainly offer this opportunity. Remember, the second piece of fudge tastes the same as the first.

Plan ahead by keeping healthful foods at home and work. If you are not prepared, you may find yourself indulging in holiday sweets because they are all that is available in that vulnerable moment. And don't forget to support your body with the nutritional or herbal supplements it may require during this busy period. Keep your health goals in sight.

Visualize your own success. See yourself feeling great about yourself and the way you manage your food choices. This exercise is more powerful than you may realize.